Addressing Colorado’s challenges in the children’s system of care and mental health requires innovative thinking and strategic partnerships at the government level. Joining Heidi Baskfield on the Speak Our Minds podcast today is Dr. K. Ron-Li Liaw, Colorado’s first Mental Health-In-Chief for Children’s Hospital Colorado and is also the Division Director of Child and Adolescent Youth Mental Health at the University of Colorado’s Department of Psychiatry. In this episode, Dr. Ron-Li Liaw shares how her groundbreaking role is shaping the design and delivery of mental health care in Colorado. She discusses key steps to create lasting improvements in our mental health systems and how she envisions leveraging a seat at the table to advance the state’s efforts in this critical space. For these insights and, as always, much more, tune in now!

Key Points From This Episode:

• How her role as Colorado’s only Pediatric Mental Health In-Chief is helping lead the way in how mental health is being designed and delivered in Colorado.
• What surprised her the most about how Colorado was going about delivering and the system structure regarding Youth Mental Health care. 
• The difference in understanding between government leaders and those involved in designing, building, and operating mental health systems in the states of New York and Colorado.
• The best starting points to create long-lasting change in our mental healthcare systems.
• The role the Class Action Law Suit settlement agreement should play in helping implement and fulfill various factors in our healthcare systems. 
• How she would use a seat at the table to support the state's efforts within this space.
• What Dr. Ron-Li Liaw is most excited and hopeful about regarding the future of mental health care systems in Colorado.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. K. Ron-Li Liaw on LinkedIn

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is the state’s first Cabinet-level agency focused exclusively on serving and supporting at-risk children and families. Today, Heidi welcomes Christine Beyer, Commissioner of the NJ DCF, to the podcast. Together with its partners, the NJ DCF works to increase kinship placements, strengthen family connections, prevent maltreatment, and promote family stability. They strive to integrate consumer voices in every program, foster accountability, maximize federal support, provide an inclusive system of care for youth, and prioritize both staff safety and professional satisfaction. Join the conversation as Christine shares insights into her role as Commissioner, explains the core commitment driving their work, and highlights the importance of centering the voices of parents and individuals with lived experiences. They discuss the keys to effective programs at the NJ DCF, what sets this department apart from others across the country, and much more. Christine also emphasizes that young people, though full of opinions, should be encouraged and empowered to lead in finding solutions to issues that affect them. This episode is filled with valuable insights you won’t want to miss!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to our guest on today’s episode.
• What it means to be the Department of Children and Families Commissioner.
• She explains what the Children’s System of Care is. 
• The core commitment that guides everything Christine does.
• She highlights two important factors in their system.
• How they’ve cultivated their culture in the Children’s System of Care.
• Christine shares how they strive to put the voice of parents and those with lived experience at the front and center. 
• Busting the stigma of mental health in this country. 
• Why she created the Office of Family Voice.
• The key to making these systems and programs succeed.
• Christine breaks down the role the Office of Family Voice plays in various functions.
• Building the best systems for our young people. 
• What sets the NJ Department of Children and Families apart from others. 
• Navigating the Medicaid relationship and how it’s working to support what they are accomplishing. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Christine Beyer on LinkedIn

Meet the Commissioner: Christine Beyer

Department of Children and Families

The Office of Family Voice (NJ Department of Children and Families)

The Office of Family Voice (PowerPoint)

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

How can a state transform its approach to youth mental health in the face of bureaucratic challenges? In this episode of Speak Our Minds, we spotlight the passionate advocacy of Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, a fourth-generation Coloradan who has lived in Weld County for over 35 years. From her roots as a county commissioner to her current role in the state senate, Senator Kirkmeyer’s journey is fueled by a deep commitment to improving mental health care for her state's most vulnerable citizens: its youth. She shares her pivotal role in championing Senate Bill 59 and House Bill 1038, both designed to overhaul the behavioral health system. Despite facing significant opposition from state agencies like the Department of Healthcare Policy and Finance, Senator Kirkmeyer’s tenacity shines through. Our conversation explores the power of bipartisan collaboration, the fiscal hurdles of reform, the impact of ongoing lawsuits, and the urgent need for transparent government action. Tuning in, you’ll be inspired by Senator Kirkmeyer’s determination to navigate the complexities of state governance and her relentless efforts to drive meaningful change. Join us to find out how her work is paving the way for a more effective mental health care system and how you can contribute to these vital reforms!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Senator Kirkmeyer’s entry into public service: from county commissioner to state senator.
• Where her passion for protecting vulnerable citizens (including children) stems from.
• Why the child welfare system isn't a sustainable solution to the behavioral health crisis.
• Challenges and triumphs for Senate Bill 59 and youth mental health system reform.
• Resistance from the Department of Healthcare Policy and Finance (HCPF).
• Hefty fiscal notes on mental health reform and the role of the Joint Budget Committee.
• Senator Kirkmeyer’s frustration over the lack of cooperation from state departments.
• The need for greater government transparency and the role of lawsuits in driving change.
• Funds wasted on legal battles that could support youth mental health reform.
• Acknowledgment for those partnering with Senator Kirkmeyer to create meaningful change.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

State Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer

Barbara Kirkmeyer on LinkedIn

Barbara Kirkmeyer on Instagram

Barbara Kirkmeyer on Facebook

Barbara Kirkmeyer on X

Colorado Child Welfare System Interim Study Committee

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

We continue our fight for youth mental health and are excited to welcome two special guests to the podcast today: Te’Andis Elliot; a community engagement specialist in youth outreach, and Quatisha Bailey (known as Q); the Executive Director of the independent health and wellness consulting firm, Qs with Q. Join the conversation as we discuss their work in supporting youth mental health, explore common struggles faced by teens, and examine the impact of social pressures and the intersection of sexual abuse and mental health. We also highlight the importance of intentionally providing Black males with time, tools, and support, and share tips on having uncomfortable but necessary conversations with our children. Te’Andis underscores what people should understand about the Black community experience in their support of youth mental health. We then deep dive into the answer to building responsive systems that will help our youth navigate complicated challenges. For all this, and much more, listen in as we go further into our journey to strengthen the support for Colorado’s youth and their mental health. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• We are introduced to our two special guests, Te'Andis Elliot and Quatisha Bailey.
• Our guests share more about their work and how it supports youth mental health.
• Some of the most common struggles they’re seeing with teens and mental health.
• The conscious connection between teens’ struggles and racism.
• Social pressures and the need for kids with color to uphold a specific look.
• The intersection between sexual abuse and mental health.
• The importance of giving enough time, space, and tools to our boys.
• Q shares how they’re using the Anonymous Text Line to help children avoid risky behaviors or navigate consequences.
• Q’s thoughts on why having conversations with our teens scares us, as parents.
• Tips and tools on how to dive into uncomfortable conversations with our teens.
• The importance of doing suicide prevention when we have check-ins with our youth.
• Te’Andis sheds light on what people need to understand about the Black community's experience when supporting the mental health of youth of color.
• How we are building responsive systems to help Black youth navigate complicated territories: the answer.
• Teaching the youth to shine their light and be proud and confident in who they are.
• Where to start to help our youth get what they need from Medicaid and mental health care.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Te'Andis Elliot

Te’Andis Elliot on LinkedIn

Te’Andis Elliot Email 

Quatisha Bailey Email

Qs with Q

Contact Qs with Q

The Man-Not: Race, Class, Genre, and the Dilemmas of Black Manhood

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

This week, we interrupt our regularly scheduled programming to address a critical issue: Proposition KK and the rising incidence of domestic violence in the state of Colorado, with many cases tragically ending in fatalities. Joining us are Majority Leader Monica Duran and Elizabeth Newman from the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA). Representative Duran shares her personal journey through a life-defining experience with domestic violence, while Elizabeth provides insights into her role at CCASA, the work they do, and their mission. We also examine the impact of domestic violence on children and delve into the data behind this alarming trend. Representative Duran breaks down what Proposition KK is and what she hopes people will understand about it. Tune in to learn more, and visit yesonpropkk.com for further information. Thank you for listening.

Key Points From This Episode:

• Representative Duran talks about her role as Majority Leader in the House.
• She details her why and her willingness to fulfill the role she’s in.
• What drives her passion for mental health and victim advocacy. 
• How she navigated her way through a life-defining experience to find herself as a Colorada Legislator.
• We delve into a discussion around domestic violence data.
• Elizabeth shares about who she is, the organization she works for, and what they do.
• The lack of funding and support from the state for these organizations, many of whom are already operating at a deficit. 
• What domestic violence looks like and the implications of domestic violence on children.
• Representative Duran stresses the state goal of creating a prevention program and the importance thereof. 
• We discuss Proposition KK; what it is, what it seeks to do, and why Coloradans need to show up at the ballot in support of it.
• What Representative Duran wants people to understand about Proposition KK.
• Elizabeth and Representative Duran leave closing comments to listeners regarding Proposition KK and showing up on election day in November. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Monica Duran

Call Monica Duran at +1 303-866-5522

Contact Monic Duran

Monica Duran on X

Monica Duran on Instagram

Elizabeth Newman on LinkedIn

Elizabeth Newman CCASA

Elizabeth Newman Email

Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault

Office for Victims Programs Colorado (OVP)

Proposition KK: Firearms and Ammunition Excise Tax

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

All too often, discussions about system reform and the youth mental health crisis tend to overlook the specific needs and experiences of Native and Indigenous communities. Today’s episode of Speak Our Minds features Dr. Terri Bissonette, Gnoozhekaaning Anishinaabe, a seasoned educator, independent consultant, and the former Founder and School Leader of the American Indian Academy of Denver (AIAD). Terri shares her insights into the unique needs of Native American students, highlighting the profound impact of intergenerational trauma on their mental health. She also delves into how we can design and reform systems to better support and uplift Native and Indigenous youth, ensuring they receive the culturally responsive care and education they deserve. Whether you’re an educator, mental health professional, or advocate, this conversation offers valuable insights that will empower you to take meaningful action in your work. To hear how you can be part of the movement to create systems that truly serve Indigenous communities, be sure to tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Terri, her tribal affiliations, and the important educational work she does.
• What motivated her to establish AIAD to address the unique needs of Native students.
• The impact of historical trauma on the mental health of Native American youth.
• Insight into the behavioral mental health intervention and support system Terri created.
• How trauma experienced by Indigenous peoples was passed down through generations.
• The brutal legacy of Native American boarding schools in the United States.
• Mental health support services available to Native and Indigenous communities.
• Why access to resources and cultural training for providers is critically important.
• What goes into “indigenizing” mental health support for kids and families.
• Ensuring the systems we reform or build meet the needs of Native and Indigenous youth.
• If it’s about us, we need to be in the room: reasons that representation is essential.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Terri Bissonette on LinkedIn

Denver Indian Health and Family Services (DIHFS)

Native Connections

Native American Counseling & Healing Collective

National Indian Education Association

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

What’s the most significant barrier facing youth and families when it comes to mental health care? Today, Dr. Benjamin Miller, a leading expert in mental health and adjunct faculty at Stanford School of Medicine, joins us to unpack the pressing challenges and opportunities in reforming the youth mental health system. Drawing on his extensive experience, Dr. Miller sheds light on key issues, such as the ongoing struggle for access to care, the complexities of navigating fragmented systems, and the importance of equity in mental health services. He also delves into the vital role of schools and communities in delivering care and the need for innovative approaches to system reform. Tune in as Dr. Miller shares his thoughts on how Colorado’s efforts can serve as a model for other states, while also emphasizing the importance of public accountability and community engagement in creating meaningful change. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on the future of youth mental health care!
 
 
Key Points From This Episode:

• Common themes from advocates on what needs system reform in youth mental health.
• How different states are spending their time, energy, and resources on youth mental health.
• Suggested reforms for how schools can deliver more effective mental health care.
• What the current administration has done to invest in resources for mental health in schools.
• The Colorado class-action lawsuit; failing to provide essential youth mental health services.
• Dr. Miller’s insights on ensuring that the state complies with the settlement agreement.
• Why building a culture of shared accountability is essential for impactful change.
• Challenges with major reforms; creating new structures, not just tweaking existing ones.
• What mental health care can learn from successful companies about creative reforms.
• Colorado’s complex mental health system; how to simplify it for better effectiveness.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. Benjamin Miller on LinkedIn

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

There is still a long way to go to solve the children and youth mental health crisis in Colorado. But there are many hardworking people creating solutions across our state. One such person is the Director of Human Services for Weld County, Jamie Ulrich, and she joins us today to share her journey to direct service, day-to-day problem-solving work, and insights on what is most needed in our state. Unpacking what children and youth are struggling with most, Jamie highlights the need to establish better lower levels of care and step-down placements. She also gets into the weeds with how we can bring strategies that are working in other states to Colorado so that we don’t have to send children and youth out of state to receive the care that they need. Next, Jamie shares why she sees the Settlement Agreement as a starting point and a positive stepping stone to eventually get to our overall comprehensive system of care. She also outlines her view on what is truly at stake when kids do not receive the support and care that they need. Tune in to hear the first-hand account of someone truly working hard to end Colarado’s youth mental health crisis. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Weld County Director of Human Services Jamie Ulrich unpacks the details of her day-to-day job. 
• What drew Jamie to direct service and helping the people in her community.
• Unpacking the areas of Weld County and how it is structured.
• How the Department supports children and youth with a focus on economic support.
• The most common front door for kids to enter into Jamie’s programs. 
• Biggest frustrations faced by the department: the lack of services and placements.
• Navigating through the complex system of support. 
• Insights on what children and youth are struggling with today. 
• Emphasizing that we should not be sending children out of state to receive the services that they need. 
• Understanding the variety of challenges faced by our youth across America. 
• The need to become experts in youth needs and available facilities specific to your county.
• Why it is necessary to see a decline in the number of youth living in stopgap settings. 
• Senate Bill 59 and what originally led to its creation. 
• Support, funding, and advocacy for the Bill.
• Scaling support based on the Medicaid population for the insured and underinsured. 
• How counties are working towards ensuring that this work happens and happens well in the State of Colorado. 
• What is truly at stake when kids do not receive the support and care that they need.
• Jamie’s hope for what the Settlement Agreement will mean for the youth of Colorado.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jamie Ulrich on LinkedIn

Weld County Department of Human Services

Colorado Department of Human Services
Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

What can a landmark lawsuit from Massachusetts teach us about improving mental health care for youth in Colorado? Joining us today to unpack this question is Dr. David Keller, Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, Vice Chair of Clinical Strategy and Transformation at Children's Hospital Colorado, and co-chair of the Legislative Committee for the Colorado chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (APP). A key figure in pediatric healthcare, Dr. Keller is also an expert on the Rosie D. v. Romney lawsuit: the foundational Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) case that has influenced similar legal actions across the country. In today's episode, Dr. Keller discusses the lessons from Rosie D. and how they apply to Colorado's ongoing efforts to build a comprehensive mental health care system for our youth. He shares insights from his experience with the case, emphasizing the importance of engaging the primary care community and the value of broad stakeholder involvement in driving systemic change. We also explore the practical steps needed to implement these changes in Colorado, from policy adjustments to community engagement strategies. Whether you're a concerned parent, mental health professional, or advocate, this episode offers a deep dive into the legal battles and the hopeful path forward for Colorado's youth!
 
 
Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. David Keller's background and his leading roles in pediatric healthcare.
• An overview of the Rosie D. v. Romney lawsuit and its outcomes.
• The transformative impact of the Rosie D. lawsuit on youth mental health services.
• Lessons from the Rosie D. case and their application to Colorado's mental health system.
• Why broad stakeholder engagement in building effective mental health systems is essential.
• The critical role of primary care in preventing severe mental health crises in children.
• Designing a system and implementing a plan that fully supports primary care.
• Current challenges and opportunities in Colorado's youth mental health care systems.
• Details about the Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program.
• Dr. Keller’s thoughts on I Matter and the allocation of resources for these types of programs.
• Lessons from Massachusetts' experience that could guide Colorado's efforts.
• Insights for concerned parents, mental health professionals, and advocates.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Dr. David Keller

Dr. David Keller on LinkedIn

Rosie D. and Me blog

CoPPCAP | Colorado Pediatric Psychiatry Consultation and Access Program

I Matter.
Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield

What does a successful system of care look like for the youth of Colorado? During this episode, Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet is an advocate for youth mental health motivated by her own experience of trying to find the necessary support for her son’s complex needs. Kicking off our conversation, she shares her own story of advocating for a struggling child and how it ignited her passion for youth mental health in Colorado. Led by the hope that other kids will not have to go through the same things as her son, she uses her position to bring about meaningful change in the legislature. Hear more about her efforts to create a neuropsychological facility, the neverending challenge of opening up more placement opportunities, and the root of the most significant obstacles limiting progress in this area. Senator Michaelson Jenet expands on the idea of a successful system of care, where it begins, and why there is such a sense of urgency around this topic. Join us for a realistic look at the realities faced by our youth and a hopeful look at what the future might hold. Thanks for listening!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet.
• Why she is passionate about the topic of youth mental health.
• Volunteering at juvenile facilities in Colorado. 
• The biggest challenges she faced while trying to meet her son’s needs.
• Working in the legislature to create the necessary support for the youth of Colorado. 
• Senator Michaelson Jenet’s thoughts on why it has been so difficult to create progress in this area.
• How education about behavioral health has progressed. 
• New opportunities that stem from reform efforts to ensure that young Medicaid recipients get what they need.
• What a successful system of care means for youth and where it begins. 
• The risks faced when a system is unsuccessful at responding to the needs of our youth.
• How State leaders can ensure that stakeholder processes are done well.
• Why there is a sense of urgency around this topic.
• The model provided by New Jersey and how it is guiding decision-making in Colorado. 
• How you can get involved in advocating for legislative change. 
• What is behind Senator Michaelson Jenet’s belief that positive change is coming. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on Facebook

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on X

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet on Instagram

Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet Email

Colorado State Assembly

Speak Our Minds on Instagram

Speak Our Minds on YouTube
Speak Our Minds on Facebook

Speak Our Minds on X

Speak Our Minds

Heidi Baskfield